February 12, 2017

1. As we continue the great work of the Church, let's pause for a moment to reflect on how we're doing and what we each can do to continue being a great parish. One of the great challenges in our young, reorganized and unified parish of St. John Nepomucene, St. John the Martyr and St. Frances X. Cabrini, is keeping everyone informed and engaged in the many corners of parish life and the sacraments. We're growing and there are greater needs all the time to stay focused on the increasing activity and positive challenges. Through media outreach, for example, we've been able to establish and engage thousands in the weekly parish E-Newsletter, social media, banners/signage, new website, and other period evangelization tools. I look back to how well 'the right hand knew what the left hand was doing' a year ago... Now, I have greater confidence that the parish is operating more like a complete body. Help me and your fellow parishioners by continuing to be faithful to the call of God to seek His glory and conform our whole life to His Divine Will.

2. Cardinal's Annual Appeal - The appeal envelopes are available in the back of the church. If you have any questions, please call or e-mail me or our parish manager, Lisa Calabrese. Thank you for your support. Thank you to those who already gave their donation to this campaign.

3. The Great Lent is coming - Ash Wednesday is March 1st. The Lenten season is intended to be a "workshop" where the character of the faithful is spiritually uplifted and strengthened; where you are called to rededicate yourself to the principles and ideals of our holy Catholic faith; where fasting and prayer culminate in deep conviction of life; where apathy and disinterest turn into vigorous activities of faith and good works. Lent is not for the sake of Lent itself, as fasting is not for the sake of fasting. Rather, these are means by which and for which you are strengthened in your bond with God and His Church! Lent is characterized by: